Update on Chrysler’s Response to the Wired Hack

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The story that Wired ran about the Jeep hack has been one of the most talked about car stories of the year.  It is easy to see why; the whole thing seems pulled from a sci-fi action movie.  Since the news broke, Chrysler has been providing information to drivers about what they can do to update their vehicle to stop the method that Wired used.

Today they put out a press statement with more details on their next step.

Actions speak louder than words.

When we first learned of the ability for others to hack into some of our 8.4-inch touchscreen systems, we developed, tested and implemented a software patch. Owners had the option to see if their vehicle was affected and if so, they could install the update.

Since then, we’ve taken more steps to ensure the confidence and security of our customers.

This recall applies to vehicles with the 8.4-inch touchscreen featured in the original article.  The previous method that Chrysler put out, for drivers to update the software themselves, is still available.  Chrysler will now be providing drivers with a USB drive in the mail with the update preloaded on to it so they can install it.  Another method is for drivers to contact their local CDJR dealer and speak with the service team to get the patch.

On their statement, FCA includes a list of the vehicles that may have their 8.4-inch touchscreen affected.  If you’re worried this may affect you, please check to see if your vehicle is on the list.

One thing that FCA wants to make clear is that this is not something that an average hacker sitting at their computer could do to a random passerby.  The hack that occurred on the Wired writer’s Jeep was very different than a real-world hack.

As was noted in the initial story, the ability to hack a vehicle is not easy. It took the two security researchers, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, months to tap into and control certain systems of Miller’s SUV. They are experts.

The software update addressed by the recall, after the security steps we took July 23, would require unique and extensive technical knowledge, prolonged physical access to a subject vehicle and extended periods of time to write the appropriate code.

There is no defect in the affected 8.4-inch touchscreen system. We have taken these additional steps to demonstrate that the security of our customers is truly a priority.

 

If you need to speak with our service department about updating your software on any of the listed vehicles, please contact us at 718-229-8700 and ask to speak with the service department.  Make sure you like us on Facebook and Google+ and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on auto news.

Chrysler’s Releases New Ads “Drive Proud” Narrated by Peter Dinklage

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Peter Dinklage has voiced more ads for Chrysler.

Dinklage, most notably famous for his role of Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones (Station Agent fan here) was tapped by Chrysler to narrate the ad “The Kings and Queens of America” back in April.  It does not come as any surprise that the automaker would want more.

The new ad series is being called “Drive Proud” and focuses on the new 2015 Chrysler 200 and 300.  It evokes the same tone of the previous ad, but this time instead of feeling like Dinklage was describing Game of Thrones, he is now quoting famous literary works.  The ads contain passages from writers and poets such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, and Jack Kerouac.

The ads, which are all available on Chrysler’s YouTube channel, will be part of the “Drive Proud” campaign Chrysler is running throughout the summer.  Check out the ads here:

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Chrysler Has Best June Sales Since 2006!

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June was an exceptional month for Chrysler.  As has been consistent, the month showed that Chrysler has been growing strength with each passing month and this previous month is no difference.

The month as a whole was the best June that FCA has had since 2006.  The company experiences a 8% sales growth from the previous month with 185,035 vehicles going out the door in the whole month.  Here is the break down on which vehicles helped the automaker maintain a positive sales increase and get that best June sales ever.

Jeep has always been the strongest part of the whole FCA family.  In June, the Jeep brand had their best June ever.  They sold 71,529 vehicles as an increase of 25% from the previous month.  The all-new Jeep Renegade maintained solid sales with 4,858 sold.

Other winners of the month include the Dodge Journey which had its best month ever.  The Ram ProMaster is continuing to find its way into drivers and fleets.  Overall, it was a month that showed there is still plenty of interest growing in Ram’s trucks and the minivan.

To get more auto news and special offers, be sure to like Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.